Welsh House of the Future (shortlisted) 1999

The competition brief requested for a vision of a house of the future. Taking the typical narrow frontage terrace house form as a starting point, the future house will be improved in terms of energy use, lighting and lifestyle. A small courtyard is inserted into the centre of the terrace house to bring in daylight deep into the central space and to encourage natural ventilation whereas a dramatic shading device at roof level shades the house during the summer months. The streets of the house will be made safe for children’s play by grouping car parking spaces away from the front of houses. Large gardens as a result of this and roof gardens encourages growing of food for one’s own consumption. Apart from passive efforts, ‘high-tech’ elements such as solar collectors, rainwater harvesting systems and low-E triple glazing further enhances the energy efficiency of the house of the future.